Peter Baker's journalFALL TURKEYThe five-day season that...

OUTDOORS

November 19, 1992|By PETER BAKER

Peter Baker's journal

FALL TURKEY

The five-day season that ended Nov. 10 resulted in a kill of 370 birds, 10 more than last year and above the 10-year average.

"The kill was right on what we thought it would be," Ed Golden, DNR Forest Wildlife Program manager, said yesterday. "But we also saw a redirection of hunting pressure from Allegany County to Garrett County."

Golden also said that the polt count was down to 4.1 from last year's 6, which was above average because of dry conditions and the periodic closure of Green Ridge State Forest.

"We have them in every county except one -- and we hope to put

some into Prince George's County this winter."

County by county:

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..1992.. .. .. .. ...1991

Allegany County.. .. .. ...163.. .. .. .. .. .179

Garrett County.. .. .. .. .168.. .. .. .. .. .148

Washington County.. .. .. ..39.. .. .. .. .. ..33

Totals.. .. .. .. .. .. ...370.. .. .. .. .. .360

BLACK BEAR UPDATE

DNR's Wildlife Division reports that Maryland's population of black bears numbers between 170 and 200, a slight increase from last year, but there still are a low number of sows in the state.

Sighting of bears and reports of crop damage are up in Western Maryland because of a poor mast crop.

"But we are getting enough crop damage complaints," said Golden, "that probably next year we will have to start destroying some bears."

Whether that will lead to a limited black bear hunting season has not been determined.

FISHING LICENSES

Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission are scheduled to sign an agreement today that will enable anglers to buy only one license to fish Maryland and Virginia tidewater and the Potomac up to the Route 301 bridge. In case you are wondering which licensing group offers the best deal, it is Maryland, where on Jan. 1 a tidal fishing license will cost $7. Virginia, which never has had a tidal fishing license, and the PRFC each will charge $7.50.

CALENDAR

Tomorrow: The Maryland Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual national banquet at the Holiday Inn in Timonium. Tickets are $50. Raffles, door prizes, open and silent auctions. For more information, call (410) 653-2917.

Tomorrow: Drawing for goose pits for second season at Millington Wildlife Management Area in Massey. For more information, call (410) 928-3650.

Saturday: Second annual Thanksgiving Wild Turkey Walk in the Catoctin watershed. Park ranger Frank Ryan, an acknowledged expert at tracking and calling, will demonstrate methods and techniques. For more information, call (301) 698-2545.

Saturday: Mountain Club of Maryland hike near Peters Mountain along the Appalachian Trail and other trails near Duncannon, Pa. For more information, call (410) 426-2071.

Saturday: Photography tour at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Marlboro. For adults only, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Reservations required two days in advance. For more information, call (301) 888-1410.

Saturday, Sunday: Hunter sight-in days -- sponsored by the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Patapsco Range, Wards Chapel and Marriottsville roads. Donation of $3 per gun. For more information, call (410) 461-8532.

Sunday: Goodnight geese program at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary near Upper Marlboro. For all ages, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Chance to watch as thousands of geese return to the river for the night. Reservations required two days in advance. For more information, call (301) 888-1410.